3085 Having a Skin Prick Test
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Hello.
Your doctor has arranged
for you to have a skin prick test
to find out which
substances you are allergic to.
If we find you are allergic to a substance then we call it an allergen.
This video will tell
you how to prepare,
and what to expect in the test.
In a skin prick test, a nurse will
put drops of different potential
allergens on your forearm, and
then prick them into your skin
to see if you develop a skin reaction.
Up to twenty five substances
can be tested at once.
If you develop a skin reaction,
this indicates that you have a sensitivity to that specific allergen.
Using these results and the information from your history,
your doctor will know
what allergens you are allergic to,
and therefore which
substances you should avoid,
but it does not tell us how strongly you will react to the allergen.
Firstly, if you can’t attend the
appointment you have been given
please call us to to
make alternative arrangements.
If you are taking
anti-histamine medication,
you must stop
taking it before the test.
Your appointment
letter will tell you what to do.
You can continue
taking other medications,
unless your doctor
tells you otherwise.
On the day of your appointment,
please do not use any soaps
or moisturisers on your skin
as these can contaminate the results.
Arrive at the hospital in plenty of
time so that you can park
and make your way to the clinic.
On arrival, please tell the
receptionist that you are here.
You will be called in to
see the specialist nurse
who will perform the test.
They will explain the procedure and answer any questions you may have.
The test is usually
performed on your forearm,
but if you have a skin condition
affecting this area,
the test can be done on your thigh or back.
You need to roll up your sleeve
and rest your arm on the table.
The nurse will write
numbers on your arm
which relate to the
allergens they want to test.
As well as the allergens, two other substances are put on your skin.
One causes a reaction in everybody,
and the other
never causes a reaction.
By checking the results of
these two substances,
the nurse can judge
whether the test is accurate.
A small drop of each of the
allergens is dropped onto your skin
next to the corresponding number.
The nurse uses a small, sharp instrument called a lancet
to prick your skin. It will feel sharp but not painful, nor should it bleed.
A different lancet will be
used on each different allergen
to prevent contamination.
Once this is done, the drops of allergen can be wiped from your arm.
You then have to wait ten to
fifteen minutes to see the results.
During this time your skin may
feel itchy, but this is expected.
Very rarely, people can
develop a severe allergic reaction
but the team undertaking
the test are prepared for this
and can deal with
any problems if necessary.
After fifteen minutes the
nurse will check the results.
Small red lumps
called wheals will develop
where you are
sensitive to an allergen.
The size of the
wheals will be measured
to gauge the scale of your reaction.
The wheals will gradually fade
over the next twenty minutes.
The nurse will
explain the results to you,
and give you advice about how best to manage any allergies you have.
If you have any questions
about the skin prick test,
please speak to your GP
or one of the allergy specialists.